The University of Mary Washington riding program and the Equestrian team are a large part of Hazelwild Farm's riding program. Students may take part in all activities at Hazelwild Farm, including boarding, employment, volunteering, lessons, and showing, both at the local and rated level. Hunter seat equitation is taught bi-weekly on four levels, beginner through advanced, for physical education credit. A student does not need to have his or her own horse to take classes, Hazelwild Farm provides a wide variety of hunter-type mounts, many of which can be leased for horse shows. Students are encouraged to participate in the care and maintenance of the horses, and to assist less experienced riders in the lessons and learning stable management. We also appreciate it when our college students volunteer with the Therapeutic Riding and Special Olympics programs.

All students who attend the University of Mary Washington are eligible to try out for the varsity intercollegiate equestrian team. Team selections are held at the beginning of each academic semester and students are chosen based on the ability to perform at different levels. Riders are needed to fill positions in each of the following divisions (from most to least experienced): Open, Intermediate, Novice, Walk/Trot/Canter, and Walk/Trot. Students' divisions are determined by their previous riding and showing experiences. The UMW Equestrian team is a member of Region I, Zone IV of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. Other teams in our region include: University of Maryland, Christopher Newport University, College of William and Mary, George Washington University, Goucher College, Catholic University, American University, George Mason University, Hood College, Mount St. Mary's College, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and the University of Richmond. The varsity riding team takes part in eight shows each year, in addition to regional, zone, and national championship competitions.